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Whether you’re a complete beginner on Etsy, or want to scale your handmade business to multi-6 figures, the “How To Be A Handmade Boss” podcast gives you actionable advice and workshop style full length episodes to grow your handmade business on Etsy and beyond.
We get it. Starting or growing a handmade business can be really overwhelming, and sometimes you feel like you have an expensive hobby rather than a profitable business. If you have questions like “How can I make sales in my business?” “How do I start a handmade shop?” “How can I make this passion my full-time gig?” or “How do I sell my crafts online” then you’re in the right place boss!
I’m Steph, a multi 6-figure handmade business owner (in the top 0.1% of all shops on Etsy), bestselling author of “How to be a handmade boss”, visionary and coach behind Handmade Bosses.
However, It wasn’t always rainbows and unicorns though. Today, my business(es) are bustling, but way back in 2014 when I started, it was HARD. Favourites but no sales, slow sales and low profits seemed in the beginning, like the trajectory of my business. Luckily following the system I’ve now curated, All of that changed and I went full-time in my handmade business in 2016.
Let’s focus on turning your passion into profit, because the world really does need these special creations that you only bring to life.
83 Episodes
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Etsy just dropped a whole bunch of updates for 2025 and if you’re feeling a bit lost in the jargon, don’t panic. I’ve got you. 💛 In this episode, I’m breaking it all down plain and simple: → What’s actually changed → What you need to know as a handmade seller → And which updates will genuinely help you save time, reduce stress, and grow your shop this holiday season 🎄 From AI listing tools and post-purchase automation to real-time keyword insights and a totally redesigned dashboard, this is...
You’ve poured time into your products, uploaded them to Etsy, and maybe you’re even getting some traffic and a few favourites… but sales? Crickets. 😬 In today’s episode, we’re unpacking the real reason why your Etsy listings aren’t converting and no, it’s not just the algorithm. I’m breaking down the 3 essential layers of a high-converting listing: 1. Getting found in search (hello, buyer keywords!) 2.&...
If you’ve been scratching your head wondering what to sell or how to stand out on Etsy in 2026, this episode is your treasure map. 🎯 I’m sharing 20 real Etsy niche ideas that are high in demand, low in competition, and full of opportunity - perfect for handmade sellers who want to stop blending in and start carving out their own corner of the marketplace. I’ve done the research for something I’m working on behind the scenes (👀), and let me tell you - these niches are absolute gems. From sen...
🎄 Are you really ready for the Christmas rush... or just hoping it’ll all come together in time? In this episode, I’m walking you through a super quick 5-point checklist that’ll help you give your handmade shop a festive glow-up without the stress. We’re talking banners, giftable products, delivery cut-off clarity, festive upsells, and simple holiday promotion tweaks you can make today. If you’re a handmade seller on Etsy or your own site, this 5-minute check will help you feel more confide...
Ever find yourself doomscrolling through Instagram wondering why that handmade shop has more sales, more followers, or just seems further ahead? In this episode, we’re flipping the comparison trap on its head. You’ll learn how to: Spot the “highlight reel” trap before it derails your momentumTurn jealousy into a learning tool (without copying a single thing!)Set healthy boundaries around competitor stalking 😉Track YOUR growth (not theirs) and build a business that feels good to you Wheth...
Running a handmade business isn’t always a straight line and today’s guest, Claire, proves it beautifully. 🌸 After starting with fresh flowers and even pedalling around town on a trike (yes, really!), Claire found her passion and success in creating stunning artificial wreaths and arrangements through her business Jamesia Blooms. In this episode, she opens up about: • How personal loss inspired her to chase her creative dream &n...
Posting consistently on Instagram but still not getting sales? In this episode, I’m breaking down the three biggest reasons your content isn’t converting and how to fix it. You’ll discover: Why likes and views don’t always mean product interestHow to guide your followers from scrolling to shoppingA simple content plan that works without eating up your whole day Whether you sell on Etsy, Shopify, or your own website, these Instagram tips are perfect for handmade sellers who want to post wit...
If your Reels are getting crickets (or you’re too nervous to even post one 🫣), this episode is for you. I’m walking you through my simple step-by-step Reels formula made specifically for handmade sellers - no dancing, no lip syncing, no pointing at floating bubbles. Just clear, doable tips to help you finally feel confident on camera and actually get your products seen 👀 Inside this episode: ✅ How to write a scroll-stopping hook ✅ What to film if you feel awkward or unsure ✅ Real-life exa...
Feeling like your Etsy sales have dipped recently? You’re not imagining it and Etsy’s Q2 2025 earnings report confirms it. In this episode, I break down exactly what’s going on behind the scenes at Etsy, why sales are down platform-wide, and what it means for you as a handmade business owner. We’ll talk about rising fees, buyer hesitation, and Etsy’s push toward AI and personalisation... all without the corporate waffle. But more importantly, I’ll walk you through what to actually do abou...
Sick of posting on Instagram and getting crickets? This episode is your full, step-by-step training on how to turn your handmade Instagram into a sales-driving machine - without feeling salesy or spending all day online. Steph breaks down the exact strategy that handmade business owners need in 2025, including: What to post (and why!) using the 4 Value PillarsHow to plan your weekly Instagram rhythm without burning outThe difference between “Going Wide” for growth and “Going Deep” for con...
🍁 Want to get ahead with your autumn product ideas and boost your handmade sales this season? In this trend-packed episode, I’m breaking down 15 of the biggest autumn trends set to dominate in 2025... with real, practical examples you can turn into products today. From modern rustic to miniature scenes, dupe-it-yourself decor to cosy accessories, I’m covering what’s going to be everywhere (and how to make it work for your handmade business). 🍂 Whether you sell on Etsy, your own site, or at ...
Struggling to get sales on Etsy? In this episode of How to Be a Handmade Boss, Steph shares 5 powerful tips to help your Etsy listings get found, get clicked, and get bought. Whether you’re brand new to selling handmade products online or you’ve been on Etsy for a while with little traction, this episode will show you exactly how to optimise your Etsy listings for more visibility, better conversion, and sustainable growth. We’re covering: ✅ Etsy SEO tips for beginners ✅ How to write titles ...
In this feel-good episode of How To Be A Handmade Boss, I’m joined by the lovely Fran from Born to Shop Designs – and we’re diving into how she turned hobbies like gardening, crafting and music into a heart-led clothing brand that connects people through what they love. We chat about navigating business pivots, building a brand that feels like you, and why community matters more than ever (especially when you're not a fan of working solo). Fran also opens up about leaving behind a business th...
Feel like your handmade business is stuck in the same place month after month - no matter how hard you try? 😩 In this episode, we’re getting honest about why so many makers hit a plateau (even when they’re doing “all the right things”)… and what to do if that’s you right now. You’ll learn: 🔸 The illusion of growth that keeps you treading water 🔸 The real cost of DIY-ing everything alone 🔸 Why your fear of investing might be costing you more than you think 🔸 How to know when you’r...
Ever feel like your business is all over the place? One minute you’re buzzing with ideas, and the next… totally burnt out? You’re not doing anything wrong - you’re just in a different season of business. In this uplifting episode, I’m walking you through the 4 natural seasons your handmade business cycles through - winter, spring, summer and autumn - and exactly how to thrive in each one without forcing yourself to keep pushing all year round. You’ll learn: 🌱 What each business season fee...
Welcome to Day 5, the final episode in this affirmation series! Today, we’re focusing on abundance and repeatable success because thriving in your handmade business isn’t just a lucky break, it’s the result of aligned action, consistency, and belief in your own power. These affirmations will help you step into the role of CEO with confidence, embrace systems that work for you, and welcome growth with ease (and joy!). Whether you listen once or on repeat all week, let this episode remind you ...
Welcome to Day 4 of our affirmation series! Today we’re diving into visibility... showing up, shining bright, and calling in your dream customers with confidence and authenticity. These affirmations will help you shake off self-doubt, embrace your unique voice, and remind you that every post, story, and conversation is planting seeds of connection and impact. Whether you listen on repeat for a week or weave it into your challenge journey, let this audio help you feel more open, seen, and ma...
Welcome to Day 3 of our 5-day Affirmation Series, created to help you stay focused, inspired ✨, and energised as you move through the Sellathon. Today, we’re leaning into ease, authenticity, and creating a shop experience that feels as good to run as it does to buy from. These affirmations will help you release pressure, build genuine connections, and trust that your creativity and care naturally attract the right customers. Whether you’re tidying your workspace, packing orders, or simply sit...
Welcome to Day 2 of our 5-day Affirmation Series, designed to help you stay positive, motivated ✨, and focused as you build momentum during the Sellathon. Today, we’re focusing on something so many makers struggle with: truly believing in the value of your products and in your worth as a business owner, creative, and CEO of your handmade brand. These affirmations will help you reconnect with the joy, meaning, and impact behind what you create, and remind you that your work deserves to be seen...
Welcome to Day 1 of our affirmation series! This episode is your gentle reminder that you already have everything you need to succeed in your handmade business. Together, we’ll ground ourselves, release fear, and focus on the small but mighty actions that create momentum and growth. Whether you’re listening in the car, on a walk, or while wrapping orders, let this short audio set you up for a day filled with clarity, intention, and courage. You are powerful. You are ready. And your dreams...
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I love this podcast! so informative and uplifting. every episode is filled with valuable information that we can actually use in our businesses. thank you for giving all this free information ❤️
Hey, it is a great episode. I loved it. I really hope you create more of this kind of episode rather than only etsy focused.